Ten way power adjustable seat

ABSTRACT

The adjustable seat assembly comprises a seat, backrest, and headrest. At least one guide with a slope supported for movement along a path is provided. A seat is operatively connected to the slope and supported to permit movement of the seat along the slope without movement along the path of the guide. The backrest has at least a first pivot operatively connecting the backrest to the seat as well as a threaded member axially supported for rotation and operatively connected to the backrest so as to permit movement of the backrest by rotation of the threaded member. A second pivot operatively connects the threaded member to the backrest. Moreover, a headrest is operatively connected to the backrest. Another threaded member is axially supported for rotation and operatively connected to the headrest so as to permit movement of the headrest by rotation of the second threaded member. Finally, a frame is slidably connected to the seat

[0001] This application is a divisional application of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/797,976 filed on Mar. 2,2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a power adjustable seat.

[0003] Power seating systems currently employ complex mechanisms andlinkages to provide the ability to adjust the seat, backrest, andheadrest. Such systems are heavy and require time-consuming assemblyoperations. They are also expensive to manufacture.

[0004] Moreover, the design of these systems may affect the vehicle'soverall fuel economy. While the weight of these systems decreases thefuel efficiency of the vehicle, so too does the height of such systems.A tall seat requires a high ceiling in the vehicle's interior toaccommodate the driver or passenger in the seat. In turn, this raisedceiling increases the drag of the vehicle and thereby reduces its fueleconomy.

[0005] In particular, current mechanisms used to raise and lower theseat in the vehicle contribute to the complexity of power seatingdesign. One such system raises and lowers the seat through the actuationof four threaded rods that raise and lower the seat. Two mechanicallylinked threaded rods raise and lower the front end of the seat while twomechanically linked threaded rods raise and lower the back end of theseat.

[0006] Another proposed system employs a stationary incline that draws asupport up and down its slope to thereby raise and lower the seat. Sucha system, however, fails to permit the raising and lowering of the frontend independently from the back end. Moreover, the design furtherrequires the seat to move forward as the seat is drawn up the slope andto move back as the seat is drawn down. The design therefore does notpermit the raising and lowering of the seat independently from theforward and backward adjustment of the seat.

[0007] A need therefore exists for a simplified adjustable seat designthat avoids the complex mechanisms and linkages for adjusting the seatwhile still offering independent operation of each seat adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In a disclosed embodiment of this invention, the adjustable seatassembly comprises at least one guide with a slope supported formovement along a path and a seat connected to the slope and supported topermit movement of the seat along the slope without movement along thepath of the guide. The adjustable seat assembly may also have a backrestwith a first pivot connecting the backrest to the seat, a first threadedrod supported for rotation and connected to the backrest so as to permitmovement of the backrest by rotation of the rod, and a second pivotoperatively connecting the threaded rod to the backrest. To provideadditional freedom of adjustment, a headrest is connected to thebackrest and has a second threaded rod supported for rotation andconnected to the headrest to permit movement of the headrest by rotationof the second rod. The adjustable seat assembly also includes a frameoperatively connected to the seat to permit sliding of the seat on theframe.

[0009] Moreover, a support may be employed to connect the seat to theslope. The support is constrained from moving along the path of theguide and is supported to permit movement of the support along the slopeof the guide. In this way, the seat may move along the slope of theguide without moving along the path of the guide. The guide ispreferably an incline.

[0010] Connecting the guide to the motor is a threaded rod supported forrotation so as to permit movement of the guide along its path byrotation of the threaded rod. The threaded member may be connected to amotor. This embodiment permits either the seat to rise without complexlinkages and mechanisms.

[0011] To permit the raising or lowering of the front or rear of theseat, simultaneously or independent, a seat with a front end and a rearend is connected to at least a first guide with a first slope slopingupward toward the front end and at least a second guide with a secondslope sloping upward toward the rear end. The seat is connected to theseslopes so as to permit movement of the seat along the first slope andthe second slope. By moving both inclines toward each other, the seat israised. By moving the inclines apart, the seat is lowered. Moving oneincline without the other permits raising and lowering of each end, ortilting.

[0012] Both first guide and second guide are supported to permitmovement along a path. The support may permit movement of the seat alongthe first slope and the second slope without movement along the path ofthe guides. Both guides may be linked to threaded rods and motors topermit their simultaneous and independent movement and consequentlysimultaneous and independent movement of the front end and rear end ofthe seat.

[0013] With respect to the backrest, the adjustable seat includes abackrest with at least a first pivot operatively connecting the backrestto the seat, a threaded rod supported for rotation and connected to thebackrest to permit movement of the backrest by rotation of the threadedrod, and a second pivot connecting the rod to the backrest. The firstpivot permits the backrest to pivot relative to the seat while thesecond pivot prevents the binding of the threaded rod that may be causedby a person sitting on the seat. The second pivot may be a ball joint.The rod is also connectable to a motor to permit the reclining andinclining of the backrest.

[0014] Preferably the backrest also has an adjustable headrest. Unlikeheadrests currently available, the headrest of this assembly is poweredby a motor for up and down movement. Moreover, the headrest is connectedto the backrest by a threaded rod member supported for rotation topermit movement of the headrest by rotation of the threaded rod.

[0015] This assembly thereby provides ten adjustments. The seat mayslide forward and backward on the frame, providing two adjustments.Additionally, the seat may also rise and drop on the slope of the guide,both front end and back end together or separately, permitting the seatto adjust in four ways. Two other adjustments are provided by thebackrest, which may pivot back and forth relative to the seat. Finally,the headrest may rise and drop as well, providing two other adjustments.In total, all of these adjustments may be powered by only five motorsdue to the simplicity of the adjustable seat assembly's design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The various features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings thataccompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0017]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, the entire seatassembly.

[0018]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the guides of the seat assemblyof FIG. 1, which permit the raising and lowering of the seat.

[0019]FIG. 3A shows a side view of the guides of FIG. 2 in relation tothe threaded members and support of the seat.

[0020]FIG. 3B shows the side view of the guides of FIG. 2 positioned sothat one end of the seat is raised relative to the other end.

[0021]FIG. 3C shows the side view of the guides of FIG. 2 positioned sothat both ends of the seat are raised.

[0022]FIG. 4 shows the backrest of FIG. 1, displaying the backrest andfirst and second pivots.

[0023]FIG. 5 shows an above view of the backrest of FIG. 4, includingbackrest, first pivot and second pivot.

[0024]FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the second pivot of FIGS. 4 and 5including ball joint pivot and threaded member.

[0025]FIG. 7 shows a side view of the frame of FIG. 1 along with rollersto permit sliding of seat along frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] The adjustable seat assembly permits ten adjustments. The seatmay slide forward and backward on the frame and the seat may also riseand drop, both front end and rear end together or separately. Two otheradjustments are provided by the backrest, which may pivot back and forthrelative to the seat. Finally, the headrest may rise and drop as well.

[0027]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention. The seat assemblycomprises generally seat 10, backrest 14, and headrest 18. All elementsare ultimately supported by frame 22. Seat 10 rides on four guides 26A,26B, 26C, and 26D (only 26A and 26B can be seen from this perspective).Each guide (26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D) has a slope (28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D)to which seat 10 is operatively connected to permit movement of seat 10along these slopes. Seat 10 has front end 12 and rear end 13. Guides26A, 26B, 26C and 26D (FIG. 2) are shown as inclines although one ofordinary skill in the art could employ other shapes to affect differenttypes of movement of seat 10. Seat 10 further has threaded members 38and 42, such as a threaded rod, axially supported for rotation andoperatively connected to guides 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D so as to permittheir linear movement. Guides 26A and 26C are operatively connected tothreaded member 38 while guides 26B and 26D are operatively connected tothreaded member 42. Preferably, threaded members 38 and 42 are eachoperatively connected to motors 46 and 50, respectively, such as throughmotion transmitting flex cables as known in the art. Actuation of motor46 powers movement of guides 26A and 26C (not pictured in FIG. 1) tocause rear end 13 of seat 10 to raise or lower. Actuation of motor 50powers movement of guides 26B and 26D to cause front end 12 of seat 10to raise or lower. Actuation of both motors 46 and 50 permits theraising or lowering of front end 12 and rear end 13 simultaneously.

[0028] Backrest 14 has at least first pivot (34A and 34B) operativelyconnecting backrest 14 to seat 10. Threaded member 54 is axiallysupported for rotation and operatively connected to backrest 14 so as topermit movement of backrest 14 by rotation of threaded member 54. Secondpivot 58 operatively connects threaded member 54 to backrest 14. Motor60 provides rotational movement to threaded member 54 to cause backrest14 to recline or incline.

[0029] Headrest 18 is operatively connected to backrest 14 throughthreaded member 64. Threaded member 64 is axially supported for rotationand operatively connected to headrest 18 so as to permit movement ofheadrest 18 by rotation of threaded member 64. Motor 68 providesrotational movement to threaded member 64 to raise and lower headrest.

[0030] Headrest 18, backrest 14, and seat 10 are all operativelyconnected and supported by frame 22. Rollers 72 and 76 as well as tworollers on the other side of seat 10 are on support 86 and provide aslidable connection between support 86 and seat 10. Motor 60 isoperatively connected to threaded rod 84, which is operatively connectedto seat 10. Rotational movement from motor permits seat 10 to slide backand forth under power.

[0031] A control 200 communicates with an operator input switch system202 which allows the operator to move the seat to various positions.Obviously, switch system 202 would include several switches.

[0032]FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the arrangement of guides 26A, 26B,26C, and 26D. Front end 12 and rear end 13 of seat 10 are shownschematically by their approximate location. Guides 26B and 26D haveslopes 28B and 28D, respectively, sloping upward toward front end 12 asindicated by arrow X while guides 26A and 26C have slopes 28A and 28C,respectively, sloping upward toward rear end 13 as indicated by arrow Y.Seat 10 is operatively connected to these slopes through support 86,which includes pins 88A and 88B as well as two pins on the other side ofseat 10 (not pictured here).

[0033] Guides 26A and 26C are interconnected by bar 92 while guides 26Band 26D are interconnected by bar 96. Bar 92 is threaded at point 100coupling rotational movement of threaded member 38 to bar 92.Accordingly, turning of threaded member 38 advances guides 26A and 26Calong path Z toward front end 12 or rear end 13.

[0034] Guides 26B and 26D are interconnected by bar 96. Bar 96 isthreaded at point 104, coupling rotational movement of threaded member42 to bar 96. As threaded member 42 turns, guides 26B and 26D move alongpath Z toward front end 12 or rear end 13. Threaded member 38 simplypasses through bar 96, which is not threaded for threaded member 38.

[0035] As seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the movement of guides 26A, 26B,26C, and 26D controls the raising and lowering of seat 10, front end 12and rear end 13, independently or simultaneously. In FIG. 3A, guide 26Cis shown interconnected to threaded member 38 at point 100 so thatrotation of threaded member 38 moves guide 26C along path Z. Also, guide26D is shown interconnected to threaded member 42 at point 104 such thatrotation of threaded member 42 moves guide 26D along path Z. Both pins88C and 88D and therefore support 86 are constrained against movingalong path Z. Seat 10 is operatively connected to support 86. However,they are free to move along ZZ or any other axis between Z and ZZ.

[0036] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3B, movement of point 100 byrotation of threaded rod 38 causes guide 26C to move in direction ofarrow P. Pin 88C follows slope 28C raising support 86 in such a way asto lift rear end 13 of seat 10. Rotation of threaded rod 38 in theopposite direction causes rear end 13 to lower.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 3C, rotation of threaded rod 42 moves point 104in direction of arrow Q. Pin 88D follows slope 28D raising support 86 insuch a way as to lift front end 12 of seat 10. Rotation of threaded rod42 in the opposite direction causes front end 12 to lower.

[0038] In this way, the height of front end 12 and rear end 13 andconsequently seat 10 are adjustable. This means of adjustment isaccomplished without travel of support 86 and consequently seat 10 indirection of path Z, permitting the raising and lowering of seat 10without forward or rearward travel of seat 10 in contrast to BrusascoU.S. Pat. No. 4,944,555. Moreover, further unlike the prior art, themoving guides permit raising and lower of front end 12 and rear end 12independently of each other.

[0039]FIG. 4 and 5 illustrate another feature of the invention. Backrest14 is pivotally connected to seat 10 at by pivot 34A and 34B (notpictured in FIG. 4). Threaded member 54 as well as another pivot 58, aball joint, are shown with motor 60 (FIG. 4). Rotation of threadedmember 54 moves pivot 58 along threaded member 54. As seen in FIG. 5,pivot 58 is pivotally connected to arms 108 and 112, which in turn areoperatively connected to backrest 14 through pivots 34A and 34B.

[0040] Movement of pivot 58 along threaded member 54 accordingly causesbackrest 14 to pivot as seen in FIG. 4. Movement of pivot 58 indirection of arrow E pivotally moves backrest 14 in direction of arrow Fwhile movement of pivot 58 in direction of arrow D pivotally movesbackrest 14 in direction of arrow G.

[0041]FIG. 6 shows in detail pivot 58. Shown are thread member 54 andball joint 116. Ball joint 116 includes ball 120, pin 124, and groove128 for pin 124. Ball 120 is threaded to couple rotational movement ofthreaded member 54 and cause movement of arms 108 and 112 (shown in FIG.5) in direction of arrows D or E. Ball 116 is free to pivot along pathof arrow R within housing 132. However, ball 116 is prevented fromrotating other than along path of arrow R by pin 124 and groove 128.Ball joint 116 creates a pivotal connection between arms 108 and 112 andthreaded member 54 and ultimately backrest 14. This feature alleviatesbinding of threaded member 54 on housing 132 that may result from loadon seat 10 by according thread member 54 play within housing 132. Balljoint 116 thereby permits threaded member 54 to pivot along path R andthereby adjust for load on seat 10.

[0042]FIG. 7 shows a detail view of the embodiment of the inventionpermitting forward and back motion of seat 10. Shown are seat 10,support 86, rollers 76 and 72, frame 22, and motor 80. Seat 10 isslidably connected to support 86 through rollers 76 and 72 as well asmatching rollers on the other side of seat 10 (not pictured). Support 86is operatively connected to threaded member 84 through threadedconnections 136 and 140. Thus, when motor 80 rotates threaded member 84,support 86 is movable in direction of arrows D and E.

[0043] The aforementioned description is exemplary rather then limiting.Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of thisinvention have been disclosed. However, one of ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that certain modifications would come within the scopeof this invention. Hence, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Forthis reason the following claims should be studied to determine the truescope and content of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable seat assembly comprising: a seatwith a front end and a rear end; at least a first guide with a firstslope sloping upward toward said front end and at least a second guidewith a second slope sloping upward toward said rear end; and whereinsaid seat is operatively connected to said first slope and said secondslope so as to permit movement of said seat along said first slope andsaid second slope
 2. The adjustable seat assembly of claim 1 whereinsaid first guide is supported to permit movement along a path such thatits movement toward said second guide causes said front end to rise andmovement away from said second guide causes said front end to fall. 3.The adjustable seat assembly of claim 1 wherein said second guide issupported to permit movement along a path such that its movement towardsaid first guide causes said rear end to rise and movement away fromsaid first guide causes said front end to fall.
 4. The adjustable seatassembly of claim 1 wherein said first guide and said second guide aresupported to permit movement along a path such that their movementtoward each other causes said seat to rise and movement away from eachother causes said seat to fall.
 5. The adjustable seat assembly of claim1 wherein said seat is operatively connected to said first slope andsaid second slope so as to permit movement of said seat along said firstslope and said second slope without movement along said path.
 6. Theadjustable seat assembly of claim 2 further including a first threadedmember axially supported for rotation and operatively connected to saidfirst guide so as to permit movement of said first guide along said pathby rotation of said first threaded member.
 7. The adjustable seatassembly of claim 6 wherein said first threaded member is operativelyconnected to a first motor.
 8. The adjustable seat assembly of claim 6further including a second threaded member axially supported forrotation and operatively connected to said second guide so as to permitmovement of said second guide along said path by rotation of said secondthreaded member.
 9. The adjustable seat assembly of claim 8 wherein saidsecond threaded member is operatively connected to a second motor. 10.The adjustable seat assembly of claim 1 further including a controloperatively connected to said first guide and said second guide tocontrol the movement of said seat.
 11. The adjustable seat assembly ofclaim 1 including a backrest operatively connected to said seat and athreaded member having a length axially supported for rotation andoperatively connected to said backrest so as to permit movement of saidbackrest by rotation of said threaded member wherein a pivot operativelyconnects said threaded member to said backrest and is movable axially byrotation of said threaded member along said length of said threadedmember.
 12. An adjustable seat assembly comprising; a seat; a backrestoperatively connected to said seat; a threaded member having a lengthand axially supported for rotation and operatively connected to saidbackrest so as to permit movement of said backrest by rotation of saidthreaded member; and a pivot movable axially by rotation of saidthreaded member along at least a portion of said length of said threadedmember and operatively connecting said threaded member to said backrest.13. The adjustable seat assembly of claim 12 wherein said threadedmember is operatively connected to a motor.
 14. The adjustable seatassembly of claim 12 wherein said pivot is a ball joint.
 15. Theadjustable seat assembly of claim 12 further including a controloperatively connected to said backrest so as to control its movement.16. The adjustable seat assembly of claim 12 wherein said seat has afirst end and a rear end, at least a first guide with a first slopesloping upward toward said front end and at least a second guide with asecond slope sloping upward toward said rear end wherein said seat isoperatively connected to said first slope and said second slope so as topermit movement of said seat along said first slope and said secondslope and wherein said first guide is supported to permit movement alonga path such that its movement toward said second guide causes said frontend to rise and movement away from said second guide causes said frontend to fall.
 17. An adjustable seat assembly comprising: a seat having afront end and a rear end; a first guide with a first slope slopingtoward said front end and at least a second guide with a second slopesloping toward said rear end; and wherein said seat is operativelyconnected to said first slope and said second slope so as to permitmovement of said seat, along said first slope and said second slope. 18.The adjustable seat assembly of claim 17 wherein said first guide issupported to permit movement along a path such that its movement towardsaid second guide causes said front end to rise and movement away fromsaid second guide causes said front end to fall.
 19. The adjustable seatassembly of claim 1 wherein said first guide and said second guide aresupported to permit movement along a path such that their movementtoward each other causes said seat to rise and movement away from eachother causes said seat to fall.
 20. The adjustable seat assembly ofclaim 1 wherein said seat is operatively connected to said first slopeand said second slope so as to permit movement of said seat along saidfirst slope and said second slope without movement along said path.